Man Jailed for Stabbing in Penzance Town Centre

A man who stabbed a stranger with a broken bottle in Penzance town centre has been jailed for five and a half years.

Freddie Clow, 27, of no fixed abode, Penzance, carried out the attack in the early hours of 1st July 2025. Following a trial at Truro Crown Court in January, Freddie was convicted of section 18 grievous bodily harm. He had previously pleaded guilty to theft and criminal damage.

He returned to court and was sentenced on Friday 27th February.

Attack on Market Jew Street

During the trial, the jury heard how the victim had been walking home along Market Jew Street after visiting the Seven Stars Inn.

The victim recalled walking along the street and then the next thing being kicked around “like a football”. He remembers an ambulance crew arriving and then waking up in hospital.

Footage from overlooking addresses partially recorded the incident and formed part of the case.

One witness described seeing Freddie stood over the victim before appearing to go through his clothing and pick something up from him or next to him, before walking away. The victim was lying face down on the floor, not moving, with blood all over his back. His wallet was later found a short distance away.

The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for various wounds. A glass fragment was found in his skin.

A second witness, who heard an argument, a thud and a bottle smashing from his flat, looked out of the window and recognised the defendant due to Freddie featuring in local media on several occasions for criminal behaviour. The witness filmed part of the incident and saw Freddie kick and punch a man on the floor before going through his pockets. He said the ferocity of the attack made him fear the victim may have been dead.

Freddie then left the scene holding something.

A third witness, who had been unable to sleep and went for a walk, found the victim face down and bleeding from a wound on his back. He saw two men walking away laughing. He remained at the scene and provided first aid until police arrived.

Further Damage and Arrest

Around ten minutes later, paving slabs and bricks were thrown at a property near the scene of the initial attack. Freddie was identified as being responsible and was arrested for both incidents a short time later.

Officer’s Statement

Officer in the case, DC Rhys Salisbury, said:

“This was a brutal and unprovoked attack committed against a victim who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time as he made his way home after an evening out.

“Freddie Clow armed himself with a broken bottle and then left the victim for dead at the end of the attack. It was only a matter of luck that the victim’s injuries weren’t fatal, and this didn’t become a murder investigation.

“We hope this sentence shows that there is no place for violent crime in our society. We will continue to actively pursue and bring those responsible for such violence to justice.”